Rating: 3.5/5
“The only thing better than a great bassline is a bassline you can feel” – Michael Peter Balzary (aka Flea, bassist at Red Hot Chilli Peppers).
Flea’s sentiment on the power of bass resonates perfectly with Skullcandy ’s mission to deliver bold, bass-heavy audio experiences. The Crusher ANC 2 claims to follow this philosophy, while taking it to a new dimension.
Not just about sound, the Crusher ANC 2 boasts features like active noise cancellation (ANC), personalised sound, and the signature adjustable bass slider, all promising an immersive listening experience. Available globally since 2023, these headphones have now made their way to India.
Priced at Rs 64,999 in India, the Crusher ANC 2 combines premium features with Skullcandy’s distinct bass-centric approach. We dedicated days to rigorously testing the Crusher ANC 2 across various scenarios, from lengthy commutes and demanding workouts to relaxing with cherished music and films.
But does the experience truly live up to the anticipation? Here’s a detailed account of our experience with these wireless headphones:.
Design
Much like Skullcandy's commitment to a recognisable design language, the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 , in its White variant (which we got for testing), presented a refined and minimal aesthetic from the first look we took at it.
The matte white finish, along with the subtle orange of the power button, struck us as understated yet modern, one that felt quite appealing for daily use. While constructed from a textured plastic, the build seemed decent enough to inspire confidence in its durability.
During our regular commutes, the comfort offered by these headphones was noteworthy. The memory foam ear pads and the fabric-lined padded headband, provided ample cushioning, resulting in a generally satisfactory experience.
The design proved its worth in practical scenarios as well. The headphones folded neatly into the bundled pouch, which itself featured a textured exterior that felt both durable and stylish and was a lifesaver during our travels.
Despite the Crusher ANC 2 registering a weight of 332g, the distribution felt well-managed; for a couple of hours of continuous music streaming, the extra weight was hardly noticeable. However, during longer listening sessions during a long-haul flight, the clamping pressure began to make its presence felt.
Audio performance, ANC and more
Let’s dive into what makes the Crusher ANC 2 unique—its bass. Crank the adjustable slider up, and Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” on your commute feels like a live show in your head, each kick drum hitting you squarely in the chest. On the highest level, the bass is so intense that it almost gave us a face massage (and a headache) as we tried listening to the whole of Lamar’s new album GNX at a go.
It’s immersive, punchy, and tailor-made for hip-hop, EDM, and rock. Slide it down, though, and the bass nearly disappears—perfect for listeners craving a flatter, more balanced sound. That level of control is a major win for anyone who wants to fine-tune their audio.
But there’s a trade-off: the mids and highs sometimes play second fiddle to the low end. We noticed this when streaming Billie Eilish’s “When the Party’s Over”—her airy vocals got lost behind the thumping bass at higher volumes. If you’re after pristine clarity across the board, these may not be your go-to; they’re built for bass lovers first and foremost.
On the ANC front, the Crusher ANC 2 does a solid job cutting constant low-frequency noise—think aeroplane engines or city traffic. During a recent Metro ride, background chatter and wheels-on-rail hum vanished, letting me focus on my playlist.
Yet sudden sounds—like station announcements or a dropped coffee cup—still poke through. It’s practical for most everyday scenarios, but won’t match the near-silence of top-tier noise-cancellers from rival brands.
The SkullIQ app enhances customization options, allowing us to fine-tune the EQ. Adjusting the mids for acoustic tracks like Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You made a dramatic difference, transforming the listening experience. The app also allowed us to track the headphones, check battery levels in real time, and adjust ANC intensity. For audiophiles who love tweaking, it’s a handy companion.
Beyond audio, the Crusher ANC 2 supports Bluetooth multipoint—perfect for hopping from a Google Meet call on the laptop to binge-watching Ted Lasso on Apple TV+ without missing a beat. Occasional dropouts happen in crowded Wi-Fi zones, but connectivity stays rock-solid within a 30-foot range.
Battery
Boasting a claimed battery life of up to 40 hours with ANC enabled, the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 positions itself as a strong contender.
Our experience with the headphones corroborated this claim; during a long weekend trip from Gurugram to Jaipur, the Crusher ANC 2 comfortably lasted the entire journey, providing continuous playback without needing a power-up.
The inclusion of rapid charging proved to be a genuine lifesaver. On one particular morning, while rushing to catch the Delhi Metro, a mere 10-minute charge provided a surprisingly generous 4 hours of playback, a feature that undoubtedly adds to the overall convenience.
Verdict
The SkullCandy Crusher ANC 2 lives up to its name by delivering an earth-shaking experience that will thrill bass enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
Priced competitively at Rs 64,999, it pairs a massive low-end punch, thanks to the signature adjustable bass slider, a respectable battery life with ANC on, and a handy rapid-charging feature.
The included SkullIQ app also welcomes flexibility, letting us tweak EQ settings, adjust noise-cancellation intensity, and even locate our headphones, all wrapped in a foldable, durable design that’s comfortable for extended wear.
However, this bass-first philosophy comes at the expense of midrange clarity and high-end detail—vocals and intricate instrument lines can feel buried once the bass slider is cranked up.
The active noise cancellation performs adequately against constant hums but struggles with sudden, sharper sounds, falling short of top-tier ANC performance. And while connectivity is generally stable, occasional dropouts can occur in interference-heavy environments.
Overall, if you live for powerful, thumping bass and crave long-lasting wireless freedom without breaking the bank, the Crusher ANC 2 is a compelling choice. But if you seek a more balanced sound signature or industry-leading noise cancellation, you may want to look elsewhere.
“The only thing better than a great bassline is a bassline you can feel” – Michael Peter Balzary (aka Flea, bassist at Red Hot Chilli Peppers).
Flea’s sentiment on the power of bass resonates perfectly with Skullcandy ’s mission to deliver bold, bass-heavy audio experiences. The Crusher ANC 2 claims to follow this philosophy, while taking it to a new dimension.
Not just about sound, the Crusher ANC 2 boasts features like active noise cancellation (ANC), personalised sound, and the signature adjustable bass slider, all promising an immersive listening experience. Available globally since 2023, these headphones have now made their way to India.
Priced at Rs 64,999 in India, the Crusher ANC 2 combines premium features with Skullcandy’s distinct bass-centric approach. We dedicated days to rigorously testing the Crusher ANC 2 across various scenarios, from lengthy commutes and demanding workouts to relaxing with cherished music and films.
But does the experience truly live up to the anticipation? Here’s a detailed account of our experience with these wireless headphones:.
Design
Much like Skullcandy's commitment to a recognisable design language, the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 , in its White variant (which we got for testing), presented a refined and minimal aesthetic from the first look we took at it.
The matte white finish, along with the subtle orange of the power button, struck us as understated yet modern, one that felt quite appealing for daily use. While constructed from a textured plastic, the build seemed decent enough to inspire confidence in its durability.
During our regular commutes, the comfort offered by these headphones was noteworthy. The memory foam ear pads and the fabric-lined padded headband, provided ample cushioning, resulting in a generally satisfactory experience.
The design proved its worth in practical scenarios as well. The headphones folded neatly into the bundled pouch, which itself featured a textured exterior that felt both durable and stylish and was a lifesaver during our travels.
Despite the Crusher ANC 2 registering a weight of 332g, the distribution felt well-managed; for a couple of hours of continuous music streaming, the extra weight was hardly noticeable. However, during longer listening sessions during a long-haul flight, the clamping pressure began to make its presence felt.
Audio performance, ANC and more
Let’s dive into what makes the Crusher ANC 2 unique—its bass. Crank the adjustable slider up, and Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” on your commute feels like a live show in your head, each kick drum hitting you squarely in the chest. On the highest level, the bass is so intense that it almost gave us a face massage (and a headache) as we tried listening to the whole of Lamar’s new album GNX at a go.
It’s immersive, punchy, and tailor-made for hip-hop, EDM, and rock. Slide it down, though, and the bass nearly disappears—perfect for listeners craving a flatter, more balanced sound. That level of control is a major win for anyone who wants to fine-tune their audio.
But there’s a trade-off: the mids and highs sometimes play second fiddle to the low end. We noticed this when streaming Billie Eilish’s “When the Party’s Over”—her airy vocals got lost behind the thumping bass at higher volumes. If you’re after pristine clarity across the board, these may not be your go-to; they’re built for bass lovers first and foremost.
On the ANC front, the Crusher ANC 2 does a solid job cutting constant low-frequency noise—think aeroplane engines or city traffic. During a recent Metro ride, background chatter and wheels-on-rail hum vanished, letting me focus on my playlist.
Yet sudden sounds—like station announcements or a dropped coffee cup—still poke through. It’s practical for most everyday scenarios, but won’t match the near-silence of top-tier noise-cancellers from rival brands.
The SkullIQ app enhances customization options, allowing us to fine-tune the EQ. Adjusting the mids for acoustic tracks like Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You made a dramatic difference, transforming the listening experience. The app also allowed us to track the headphones, check battery levels in real time, and adjust ANC intensity. For audiophiles who love tweaking, it’s a handy companion.
Beyond audio, the Crusher ANC 2 supports Bluetooth multipoint—perfect for hopping from a Google Meet call on the laptop to binge-watching Ted Lasso on Apple TV+ without missing a beat. Occasional dropouts happen in crowded Wi-Fi zones, but connectivity stays rock-solid within a 30-foot range.
Battery
Boasting a claimed battery life of up to 40 hours with ANC enabled, the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 positions itself as a strong contender.
Our experience with the headphones corroborated this claim; during a long weekend trip from Gurugram to Jaipur, the Crusher ANC 2 comfortably lasted the entire journey, providing continuous playback without needing a power-up.
The inclusion of rapid charging proved to be a genuine lifesaver. On one particular morning, while rushing to catch the Delhi Metro, a mere 10-minute charge provided a surprisingly generous 4 hours of playback, a feature that undoubtedly adds to the overall convenience.
Verdict
The SkullCandy Crusher ANC 2 lives up to its name by delivering an earth-shaking experience that will thrill bass enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
Priced competitively at Rs 64,999, it pairs a massive low-end punch, thanks to the signature adjustable bass slider, a respectable battery life with ANC on, and a handy rapid-charging feature.
The included SkullIQ app also welcomes flexibility, letting us tweak EQ settings, adjust noise-cancellation intensity, and even locate our headphones, all wrapped in a foldable, durable design that’s comfortable for extended wear.
However, this bass-first philosophy comes at the expense of midrange clarity and high-end detail—vocals and intricate instrument lines can feel buried once the bass slider is cranked up.
The active noise cancellation performs adequately against constant hums but struggles with sudden, sharper sounds, falling short of top-tier ANC performance. And while connectivity is generally stable, occasional dropouts can occur in interference-heavy environments.
Overall, if you live for powerful, thumping bass and crave long-lasting wireless freedom without breaking the bank, the Crusher ANC 2 is a compelling choice. But if you seek a more balanced sound signature or industry-leading noise cancellation, you may want to look elsewhere.
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